New Tegu, Smauge

[Smauge]

I purchased Smauge from an add on Craigslist on the 10th. The guy said he got him at the reptile show a few weeks ago here in Florida.

He looks healthy. My concerns are, he wants to hide, all the time. If I take him out he goes and finds a dark hiding spot. He has no interest in eating. I offered roaches, fruits and veggies, fish, ground turkey and boiled eggs. The guy I got him from said he was eating collard greens bananas and crickets.
His hide area is 80 degrees and moist, the basking area is 100.

I've read that sone times it takes months before a tegu comes out of their hides. What should I be offering for food that most likely will just get thrown out. Ground turkey is expensive just to toss out. Also, at what point should I start becoming concerned?

I've wanted a tegu for a long time and researched everything. Apparently I wasn't prepared for this curve ball. I also have bearded dragons so I'm not a total newb.

 

[Walter1]

I would try a hard-boiled egg with a small smudge of ground turkey. Make sure that his hide isn't the only coolish spot or he'll never leave it. Must have a gradient. Easy to do. At night can sleep in mid to upper 70s. Also, a lot of hiding not unusual for new animal. Feed banana as a rare treat only.

 

[Smauge]

thanks for the help.

temp under the hide is 82. i put a heat pad under the area because when i got him, he was really cold. i turned that off today.

it's 72ish now under the hide. 82 in the center of the tank and 108 in the basking area.

hopefully with the heat pad off, he will come out.

 

[Smauge]

it seems he lost his tail at some point. it's all black, no white and black band. could he still be recovering from this?

 

[Walter1]

Nice going on temp adjustment. The tail is regenerated and will remain black. Now see how he adjusts to his new routine. Keep posted.

 

[Smauge]

i'm so excite! he ate some food!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Walter1]

Excellent!

 

[Smauge]

squeeeeeee!!!!!!!